Nipple Stimulation
This is similar to having sex, it also involves the production of oxytocin. Gentle rubbing or rolling the nipple stimulates the breasts and also releases oxytocin. Stimulating your nipples can cause your uterus to contract and may bring about labor.
Nipple stimulations stimulate oxytocin production. Oxytocin is the hormone responsible for the uterus contraction and the breast to eject milk.
In fact, if you choose to breastfeed your baby right after delivery, this same stimulation is what will help your uterus shrink back to its original size.
You or your partner may manually stimulate your nipples, or you can try using a breast pump to cause contraction.
Solid research shows that breast stimulation can be an effective way to:
- Induce and augment labor
- Avoid a medical induction
- Reduce rates of postpartum hemorrhage [2]